por favor
/poɾ faˈboɾ/
The English phrase "please" is translated into Spanish as por favor. Wiktionary also lists favor de and porfa.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| por favor | /poɾ faˈboɾ/ | |
| favor de | /faˈboɾ de/ | |
| porfa | /ˈpoɾfa/ | informal |
| porfis | /poɾfis/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial |
| porfi | /ˈpoɾfi/ | Spain, colloquial |
Spanish speakers use these forms as interjections to make polite requests.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por favor literally translates to "for favor".
Which one should you use?
While por favor can be used as a standalone interjection, favor de is grammatically tied to the verb that follows it.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal settings, you can use the shortened porfa among friends and family. If you want to be highly colloquial or even sound slightly childish to persuade someone through charm, you can use porfis.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The colloquial variation porfi is specifically common in Spain.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form favor de is used as a polite way to request an action when it is followed directly by an infinitive verb, such as favor de cerrar la puerta (please close the door).
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, instead of saying 'please' to a waiter, it is often more common to use the phrase me trae… (you bring me…) to initiate a request politely.
- In some contexts, por favor can be used sarcastically to express disbelief or annoyance, similar to saying 'Oh, please!' in English.
- Depending on the country, favor de is frequently used on official signs and notices to give orders politely, such as 'please smoke outside'.
Examples in context
- Sí, ven por favor.Yes, please come.This sentence shows how to use por favor when inviting someone to come.Tatoeba #981186 by Shishir, translation #65364 by Luornu
- La sal, por favor.The salt, please.This sentence shows how to use por favor when requesting an object.Tatoeba #8380981 by ManuelML, translation #8383995 by cromwellt
- Por favor, di algo.Please say something.This sentence shows how to use por favor when asking someone to speak.Tatoeba #4566607 by cueyayotl, translation #2062887 by CK
- ¿Puede darme una manzana, por favor?Can you give me an apple, please?
- ¿Le importaría darme un poco de fruta, por favor?Would you mind giving me some fruit, please?
- 2558 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are at a café.
- MateoUn café para mí, por favor.A coffee for me, please.
- Sofía¿Quieres también un cruasán, Mateo?Do you want a croissant too, Mateo?
- MateoSí, por favor, Sofía.Yes, please, Sofía.
- SofíaMuy bien, ahora los pido.Very well, I'll order them now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries por favor, favor de, porfa, porfis, porfi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
